Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice for twins or children who are very close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are ideal for narrow spaces like doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or making a single stroller a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat goes behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin stroller buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you want a double stroller with bassinet stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. These buggies are priced higher than single to double umbrella stroller buggies however they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They also hold some value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of one another as this will let you place your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who will want to lie back and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into several positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model on the market and has an identical footprint to a single buggy. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From birth
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're likely to require a pushchair that fits the entire family. double to single buggy buggies are generally larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a great choice if your children are of similar ages and get along well. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the rear. Your child's older one will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations as the other top choices however the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to spend a lot.
A tandem double buggy can be a great choice for twins or children who are very close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies, and are ideal for narrow spaces like doors, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or making a single stroller a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat goes behind the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin stroller buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have more resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you want a double stroller with bassinet stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. These buggies are priced higher than single to double umbrella stroller buggies however they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They also hold some value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.
Another crucial thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of one another as this will let you place your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who will want to lie back and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into several positions. It also has UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to move around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model on the market and has an identical footprint to a single buggy. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy is heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, therefore it must be simple to operate and use. You may also have to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
From birth
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're likely to require a pushchair that fits the entire family. double to single buggy buggies are generally larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be easier to maneuver in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a great choice if your children are of similar ages and get along well. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the rear. Your child's older one will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't be able to get an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopy is large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations as the other top choices however the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to spend a lot.